How to Add Exponents
Solve the first exponential expression., Solve the second exponential expression., Add the two values together.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Solve the first exponential expression.
An exponential expression has a base (large number) and exponent (small number).
The exponent tells you how many times to multiply the base by itself (23=2×2×2{\displaystyle 2^{3}=2\times 2\times 2}).For example, if your problem is 34+25{\displaystyle 3^{4}+2^{5}}, you would first calculate 34{\displaystyle 3^{4}}:34{\displaystyle 3^{4}}=3×3×3×3{\displaystyle =3\times 3\times 3\times 3}=81{\displaystyle =81} -
Step 2: Solve the second exponential expression.
To do this, multiply the base by itself the number of times indicated by the exponent.
For example, the problem is now 81+25{\displaystyle 81+2^{5}}, so you need to calculate 25{\displaystyle 2^{5}}:25{\displaystyle 2^{5}}=2×2×2×2×2{\displaystyle =2\times 2\times 2\times 2\times 2}=32{\displaystyle =32} , This will give you the sum of the two exponential expressions.
For example:34+25{\displaystyle 3^{4}+2^{5}}=(3×3×3×3)+(2×2×2×2×2){\displaystyle =(3\times 3\times 3\times 3)+(2\times 2\times 2\times 2\times 2)}=(81)+(32){\displaystyle =(81)+(32)}=113{\displaystyle =113} -
Step 3: Add the two values together.
Detailed Guide
An exponential expression has a base (large number) and exponent (small number).
The exponent tells you how many times to multiply the base by itself (23=2×2×2{\displaystyle 2^{3}=2\times 2\times 2}).For example, if your problem is 34+25{\displaystyle 3^{4}+2^{5}}, you would first calculate 34{\displaystyle 3^{4}}:34{\displaystyle 3^{4}}=3×3×3×3{\displaystyle =3\times 3\times 3\times 3}=81{\displaystyle =81}
To do this, multiply the base by itself the number of times indicated by the exponent.
For example, the problem is now 81+25{\displaystyle 81+2^{5}}, so you need to calculate 25{\displaystyle 2^{5}}:25{\displaystyle 2^{5}}=2×2×2×2×2{\displaystyle =2\times 2\times 2\times 2\times 2}=32{\displaystyle =32} , This will give you the sum of the two exponential expressions.
For example:34+25{\displaystyle 3^{4}+2^{5}}=(3×3×3×3)+(2×2×2×2×2){\displaystyle =(3\times 3\times 3\times 3)+(2\times 2\times 2\times 2\times 2)}=(81)+(32){\displaystyle =(81)+(32)}=113{\displaystyle =113}
About the Author
Anna Collins
Anna Collins specializes in lifestyle and practical guides and has been creating helpful content for over 3 years. Anna is committed to helping readers learn new skills and improve their lives.
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